Article: Patch of land in Winnie awaits cleanup of a contaminant that lasts for ages.

Byline: Beth Gallaspy

Jan. 29--WINNIE -- Surrounded by cattle, barbed wire and scrubby grass sits a half-acre of pasture land with a $3 million problem.

More than a decade ago, a radioactive element called americium being used in an oil well spilled from the capsule that contained it and contaminated the soil and equipment on the surface of this field about two miles north of Interstate 10.

Early on, state officials wrapped the equipment in plastic. They had workers on site trade their clothing for jumpsuits and sealed the possibly contaminated garments in metal barrels, recalled Elzey Bourque, who owned an oilfield services company working ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!